Fluid-containing body support air cushion

Abstract

A fluid-containing air cushion including an air chamber including an air fill valve and a water filled layer connected atop or against, and at least partially coextensive with, the air chamber, the water-filled layer defining a body support surface. The water-filled layer includes a water fill valve and an array of individual spaced fluid pockets each of which is separated from, but in fluid communication with, the water-filled layer itself by a small fluid flow port whereby, when water flows into each of the fluid pockets through the port, it is substantially trapped within each of said fluid pockets to prevent substantial sloshing and uneven distribution of water within the water-filled layer.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A fluid-containing air cushion comprising: 
       an air chamber including an air fill valve;  
       a water-fillable layer connected against, and at least partially coextensive with, said air chamber and defining a body support surface;  
       said water-fillable layer including a water fill valve and an array of individual spaced fluid pockets each of which is separated from, but in fluid communication with, said water-fillable layer by a single fluid flow port whereby, as said water-fillable layer is filled with water, water flows into each of said fluid pockets through said port and is substantially trapped within each of said fluid pockets to prevent substantial sloshing, uneven distribution or pooling of water within said water-fillable layer.